People have been breeding dogs since prehistoric times. The earliest dog breeders used wolves to create domestic dogs. From the beginning, humans purposefully bred dogs to perform various tasks. Hunting, guarding, and herding are thought to be among the earliest jobs...
eagerly performed by the animal destined to be called โmanโs best friend.โ
For thousands of years, humans bred dogs toward the physical and mental traits best suited for the work expected of them. The sleek Greyhound types bred to chase fleet-footed prey, and the huge mastiff types used as guard dogs and warriors, are two ancient examples of dogs bred for specific jobs.
As humans became more sophisticated, so did their dogs. Eventually, there emerged specific breeds of dogs, custom-bred to suit the breedersโ local needs and circumstances. The Greyhound, for instance, was the foundation type for the immense Irish Wolfhound and the dainty Italian Greyhound. All three have a distinct family resemblance, but youโd never mistake one for another.
So, then, when is a breed a breed and not just a kind or type of dog? The simplest way to define a breed is to say it always โbreeds true.โ That is, breeding a purebred Irish Setter to another purebred Irish Setter will always produce dogs instantly recognizable as Irish Setters.
Each breedโs ideal physical traits, movement, and temperament are set down in a written document called a โbreed standard.โ For example, the breed standard sets forth the traits that make a Cocker Spaniel a Cocker Spaniel and not a Springer Spaniel.
The AKC standard for each breed originates with a โparent club,โ the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. Once approved by the AKC, a standard becomes both the breederโs โblueprintโ and the instrument used by dog show judges to evaluate a breederโs work.
There are over 340 dog breeds known throughout the world. The American Kennel Club recognizes 193 breeds
The Affenpinscher: loyal, curious, and famously amusing; this almost-human toy dog is fearless out of all proportion to his size. As with all great comedians
itโs the Affenpinscherโs apparent seriousness of purpose that makes his antics all the more amusing...
About the Affenpinscher
โThe Affenโs apish look has been described many ways. Theyโve been called โmonkey dogsโ and โape terriers.โ The French say diablotin moustachu (โmustached little devilโ), and Star Wars fans argue whether they look more like Wookies or Ewoks.
Standing less than a foot tall, these sturdy terrier-like dogs approach life with great confidence. โThis isnโt a breed you train,โ a professional dog handler tells us, โHeโs like a human. You befriend him.โ The dense, harsh coat is described as โneat but shaggyโ and comes in several colors; the gait is light and confident. They can be willful and domineering, but mostly Affens are loyal, affectionate, and always entertaining. Affen people say they love being owned by their little monkey dogs.
National Breed Clubs and RescueWant to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. Founded in 1965, the Affenpinscher Club of America is the official AKC Parent Club for the Affenpinscher.
What breeds make the best family dogs? What are the best dog breeds for kids? When adding a new puppy or dog to your family, it can be difficult to decide which is the best fit. Weโve compiled 10 of the best dog breeds for families and kids.
Many breeds make wonderful family dogs, though some are better suited for suburban and farm families than households living in the city. Family dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Irish Setters are playful and protective. Pugs, Brussels Griffons and French Bulldogs love their families โ particularly their laps.
Best Dog Breeds for Kids & Best Family Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States for a reason. The breed is friendly, patient, and trainable. The breed is extremely versatile, doing everything including hunting, showing, dock diving, tracking, obedience.
Personality: Friendly and outgoing, Labs play well with others
Energy Level: Very active; Labs are high-spirited and not afraid to show it
The distinct and wrinkly Bulldog makes a wonderful companion to children. These loyal dogs can adapt to most atomospheres โ city or country โ and are happy to spend time with their families.
Personality: Calm, courageous, and friendly; dignified but amusing
Energy Level: Not Very Active; Bulldogs wonโt beg to be exercised, but they require regular walks and the occasional romp
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Weekly
Trainability: Responds Well
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Barking Level: Quiet
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers originally came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game and waterfowl. Today, the breedโs versatility, intelligence, and agreeable personality suit it for many purposes, and it has become one of the most successful, recognizable, and popular breeds in all areas of competition.
Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted.
Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise.
The actual origin of the Beagle seems to be obscure with no reliable documentation on the earliest days of development. Their compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat and intelligence make the Beagle an excellent family dog.
Personality: Merry, friendly, and curious
Energy Level: Very Active; This quick, energetic and compact hound dog needs plenty of exercise
The Pug is well described by the phrase โmultum in parvoโ which means โa lot of dog in a small space.โ He is small but requires no coddling and his roguish face soon wiggles its way into the hearts of men, women and especially children, for whom this dog seems to have a special affinity. His great reason for living is to be near his people and to please them. He is comfortable in a small apartment or country home alike, easily adaptable to all situations.
Personality: Even-tempered, charming, mischievous and loving
Energy Level: Somewhat active; Pugs are not exactly natural athletes, but they do have strong legs and endless curiosityโexercise both regularly
Good with Children: Better with supervision
Good with Other Dogs: With supervision
Shedding: Regularly
Grooming: Weekly brushing
Trainability: Agreeable
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Barking Level: Barks when necessary
6. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter, recognizable from media such as Big Red, first came into popular notice in the 18th century. The outgoing and trainable dog is great for active families, as the Irish Setter is high-energy and loves spending time outdoors.
Personality: Outgoing, sweet-natured, active, and trainable
Energy Level: Very Active; High-energy dogs who love to run, Irish Setters need plenty of space and exercise
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Weekly
Trainability: Responds Well
Height: 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female)
Weight: 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Barking Level: Barks When Necessary
7. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a hearty, intelligent and active companion. He thrives on interaction, activity, and mental stimulation. His small size makes him a good apartment dweller as long as you give him a chance to burn off some energy.
Energy Level: Somewhat Active; Griffs are spunky and love to play and to share long, daily walks with their owners
Good with Children: Better with Supervision
Good with other Dogs: With Supervision
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Weekly
Trainability: Responds Well
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Barking Level: Barks When Necessary
8. Newfoundland
Ermolaev Alexandr Alexandrovich / stock.adobe.com
Above all things, the Newfoundland must have the intelligence, the loyalty, and the sweetness which are his best-known traits. He must be able and willing to help his master perform his necessary tasks at command, and also have the intelligence to act on his own responsibility when rescue work demands it. Because of these traits, Newfoundlands make excellent family dogs.
Personality: Sweet, patient, devoted; Newfs are famously good companions
Energy Level: Somewhat active; Newfs like using their big, powerful bodies so they need some room to romp
French Bulldogs are one of the worldโs most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The easygoing and adaptable breed is great for new families and responds well to training.
Personality: Playful, smart, adaptable, and completely irresistible
Energy Level: Not Very Active; Frenchies are easygoing, not terribly athletic; brisk walks will keep them trim
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: Yes
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Occasional
Trainability: Responds Well
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Barking Level: Quiet
10. Collie
Collies are legendary for their herding skills. They are strong, loyal, affectionate, responsive and fast. A Collie would be best suited for an active family as they are high-energy and love to move around.
Personality: Graceful, devoted, and proud
Energy Level: Very active; Collies are active and need daily exercise, but theyโre happy to chill at home the rest of the time
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